Peatlands given a major boost by UK Ministers

Mon, 04 Mar 2013

UK Government Environment Ministers have announced clear and unequivocal support for the UK’s peatland habitats. IUCN National Committee of the United Kingdom has advocated and worked for the protection of peatlands for years. The message by the Ministers is a recognition of the work done by IUCN and its Committee in the country.

Peatlands support many important species and unique ecosystems. Peatlands also play a key role in water resource management, storing a significant proportion of global freshwater resources and maintaining water quality.

In a letter to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, the four UK Ministers set out their plans to protect and restore peatlands to secure their value for wildlife, water and climate change mitigation.

Jonathan Hughes, IUCN Councillor for Western Europe said: “Peatlands have been a ‘Cinderella habitat’ for too long. With this significant Ministerial commitment that status is changing and we can look forward positively to our internationally important peatland ecosystems being restored on a grand scale in the future”.

In a letter to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme (5 February 2013), the UK Ministers set out a framework for action aimed at protecting and enhancing the natural capital of peatlands in the UK and British Overseas territories, recognising their importance for biodiversity, water and climate change.

The Ministers have also welcomed the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands, recognising the tremendous contribution of all those involved and give their support for the ongoing partnership of the IUCN UK Peatland Programme in the UK and internationally.